Lamb producers eye Indian opportunities

The Western Australian Farmers Federation says allowing Australian lamb producers to access the Indian market for the first time provides significant opportunities to the struggling industry.

The Federal Government has announced chilled and frozen lamb will now be allowed into India, without any quotas, based on Australia's compliance with the country's food safety requirements.

The federation's meat section president, Jeff Murray, says it is fantastic news for local producers.

Mr Murray says, while it will not be a quick fix, there is major growth potential.

"It could be quite significant in the future," he said.

"I mean it will take time to build up relationships with importers and things like that, so it's not going to be an immediate fix overnight but it certainly will be welcomed by the West Australian livestock industry, given where we are at present."

Mr Murray says he is hopeful it will help to improve low prices.

"It's very much needed, I don't think there's any doubt about that," he said.

"We're currently struggling with low prices due to the live export curtailment, so it will certainly help us to get more competition in the marketplace."